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The Iman Foundation hosted the dinner-discussion in Beijing, involving leading Chinese diplomats in a discussion about cultural exchange and challenging extremism.

Ribal Al-Assad, Chairman of the Iman Foundation, addressed the group in his native Arabic, as most of the diplomats who were in attendance speak the language. He spoke about the longstanding and strong friendship between the Arab world, Europe and China, from the days of the Silk Road to the increasing economic ties between China and the rest of the world, not least with the United Kingdom. He also spoke about the importance of challenging extremism and sectarianism, both in the Middle East - where he has been involved in tackling inter-religious conflict and violence – and in other parts of the world.

He stressed how the Foundation remains committed to fostering further dialogue and to take a stand against extremism wherever it rears its head, and is greatly encouraged by the supportive and enthusiastic response in China.

Mr Al-Assad's speech was followed by another speech, also in Arabic, from China's former Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Yang Fuchang, who reinforced Mr Al-Assad's sentiments about the strong bonds between China and the Arab world, and the common aim of challenging extremism.

The Foundation was honoured to welcome the following distinguished guests:

The Honourable Mr. Yang Fuchang, Mr. Xiao Wunan, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the Asia Pacific Exchange and Cooperation Foundation (APECF) who has recently joined the IMAN Foundation Advisory Board, Ambassador Liu Baolai, Former Vice-President of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs, General (Retired) Hua He Gen, Ambassador Liu Zhen Tang, Ambassador Jiang Kang, Former Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, Ambassador Zhang Zhixiang, Ambassador Zhao Xuechang, Ambassador Liu Lide, Ambassador Tang Mingxin, Vice-President of the Association of Former Diplomats of China, Ambassador An Huihou, Ambassador Wu Chuan Fu, Ambassador Xie Rumao, Ambassador Zhang Zhijun, Ambassador Zhang Bolun, Ambassador Jiang Kang, former Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, Ambassador Li Qingyu, President of the IMAN Foundation for China, Mr Alberto Mammarella, Diplomat at the Italian Embassy in Beijing and many other Ambassadors and Diplomats.

After the dinner there was a spectacular display of traditional Chinese entertainment, including Shaolin Kung Fu martial arts, Bian Lian dancing, and traditional Chinese music.

Those in attendance included:

The Honourable Mr. Yang Fuchang, former Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs